Science, Technology, Energy and Mines
To Reduce Energy Consumption
In Canada, our homes are the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions after transportation. Electrical appliances, heating and cooling all contribute to climate change.
Fortunately, reducing emissions from our homes often involves easy - and very economical - choices.
By saving energy, you'll not only reduce emissions and your monthly electricity bill, but also free up hydropower for exports which help reduce greenhouse gas emissions for our customers and drive Manitoba's economy for everyone's benefit.
Manage lights and appliances.
- Turn the lights out when you leave a room.
- Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps.
- Unplug stereos, radios, TVs, VCRs, and clocks when you leave on holidays. These appliances have standby features which use energy even though they are turned off. Or plug appliances into a power bar and switch it off when the appliances are not in use.
- Turn off your video game machines and computers before you leave the house.
- Use a timer on your car block heater.
- Replace old, inefficient appliances. Check the EnergGuide label and select the most energy-efficient model when buying new household appliances and room air conditioners.
- Keep your oil or gas furnace properly tuned. A well-maintained unit uses less energy. Consider replacing an old furnace with a high-efficiency model, or even a ground source heat pump.
- Switch to a tankless water heater that heats water only as you use it, rather than maintaining a full tank of hot water.
- In the spring and summer, use a clothes line to dry your clothes instead of using the dryer.
Make sure your home is properly insulated
Insulation restricts the flow of heat both in and out of your home. Without proper insulation, even the most effective, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems will have to work hard to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. The following is a checklist of places in your home that should be insulated.
- exterior walls, and walls between heated and unheated spaces (for example, an attached garage, floors over unheated or outside spaces)
- walls of a finished or heated basement
- rafters and knee walls of a finished attic
- ceilings with cold spaces above
- perimeter of a concrete floor slab, close to grade level
- exposed portion of foundation, or basement wall
Maintaining your cool (and heat) in every season
- Caulk and weatherstrip around doors and windows as well as electrical outlets and switches located on outside walls.
- Use your blinds and drapes weather-wisely. Window coverings keep the heat of sun out during the summer days and trap heat inside during cold winter nights.
- Do not block heating and cooling vents with furniture or appliances. Keep them clear for efficient, effective ventilation and climate control. Clean or replace dirty air conditioner filters as recommended.
- Install a storm door to protect your main door from Manitoba weather. It is an extra layer that will reduce heat loss from your home. Choose a model with a screened, sliding window for ventilation during the warmer seasons.
- In summer, turn the temperature setting UP (25 °C instead of 20°C) on your air conditioner if you are leaving your home for the day. Adjust to the ideal temperature when you will be home for an extended time. Shut it off completely if you are leaving for several days.
- During the winter, turn down your thermostat a couple degrees when you aren't home, and then again at night (it's healthier!).
- Use your range fan while cooking to vent hot air outside to keep your home cooler during the summer.
- During summer months, reduce the heat load on your home – and cooling system – by scheduling hot activities during cooler parts of the day. Run the dishwasher in the evening. Iron as you watch the late-night news. Put a load of whites in the wash just before heading to bed.
- Plant deciduous (leafy) trees on the south side of your home to provide cool shade during the summer and allow sunshine through during the winter. Choose local species -- they are adapted to Manitoba's climate and require less water and maintenance.
- Plant coniferous (evergreen) trees on the north side of your home to protect your home from cold winter winds. They also provide welcome shelter for winter birds.
- Keep the basement door closed during the winter to prevent cool air from mixing with warm air throughout the house.
- Laying rugs on cold floors – in the basement, the bathroom or even an attached garage – will help to insulate and make the floor (and you) feel warmer.
- Purchase a home that meets or beats the federal government's R-2000 building standards.
- Use double pane windows to cut back on heat loss through windows.
- Consider installing a programmable thermostat to automatically change the temperature of your house at different times of the day.
- Wear a sweater instead of turning up the heat in your home.
- Lower the temperature on your hot water heater. Set your water heater thermostat no higher than 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit).
Predictions and analysis on this page were excerpted from:
Climate Change Connection Manitoba
Additional Resources
Manitoba Hydro offers an in-home assessment service. It is a convenient way to find out what needs to be done around your home to improve comfort and energy efficiency, and to maximize energy savings. To arrange for an assessment, contact Manitoba Hydro, toll-free at 1-888-MBHYDRO (1-888-624-9376) or visit www.hydro.mb.ca.
Manitoba Hydro Power Smart Homes Program
Manitoba Hydro Power Smart Commercial Program
Manitoba Hydro Power Smart Industrial Program
Manitoba Hydro Power Smart for your Farm
Manitoba Hydro Earth Power
Manitoba Power Smart Savings, Rebates and Loans
Energy Development Initiative. This site provides information on Manitoba’s alternative and clean energy developments and Green Building policy.
Canada Green Building Council – Manitoba Chapter
Resource Conservation Manitoba
Manitoba R-2000 Home Program
